A tiny Utah ski area that returned to public skiing last winter after a 46-year absence has cleared another major hurdle in its comeback.
Snowland Resort, located in Fairview Canyon in central Utah, announced Tuesday that the nonprofit Snowland Foundation has secured a new Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service. The newly signed permit allows for the continued operation and development of the ski area on the Manti-La Sal National Forest and clears the way for Snowland’s next major expansion. The newly announced federal permit provides the authorization needed for Snowland to continue developing the ski area.
“This is a tremendous milestone for Snowland. The signing of this permit gives us the opportunity to move forward and continue building on the incredible work that has already been done to bring Snowland back. We’re excited about what this means for the mountain and for the community. We especially want to express our appreciation to the Manti La Sal Forest Service and the related Forest Service representatives for their extraordinary help in expediting the permitting process.” -Snowland Foundation Chairman Brent Lange
New Lift Will Open Access To 107 Acres
Work is expected to move quickly following the permit approval. Construction of the new Ridgeline Express surface lift is scheduled to begin in mid-October, with Snowland hoping to have it operating in time for the December 2026 ski season, weather permitting.
The new surface lift will stretch approximately 2,450 feet and expand access to 107 acres of terrain. It will complement the existing Main Street rope tow, substantially increasing how much of the mountain skiers and snowboarders can conveniently access.
The project has already received considerable financial help from the state. Snowland previously received a $1.46 million Utah grant intended to support the next phase of development, including the new surface lift.
Snowland’s revival has also received support through Utah’s outdoor recreation grant programs, along with private contributions and partnerships with Wasatch Academy, Snow College, Sanpete County officials and the Forest Service. The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation awarded Snowland a separate $1 million Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant in 2025 for its Recreation and Education Area project.
Snowland Returned After 46 Years
Snowland originally opened in 1967 and operated as a public ski area until 1980. After public operations ended, Wasatch Academy continued using and maintaining the property for student recreation and education.
The Snowland Foundation was formed in 2025 with the goal of bringing the mountain back to the public. That effort culminated on Jan. 17, 2026, when Snowland welcomed public skiers and snowboarders back for the first time in 46 years. The limited comeback season featured a remodeled lodge and rope-tow access.
The new permit represents a much more significant step than simply keeping that rope tow running. Snowland says the authorization expands its skiable area and allows construction of the new 2,450-foot surface lift, while providing a foundation for additional development in the years ahead. Future plans include parking improvements, tubing, lodging and other recreation facilities, with summer programming also under consideration.
Snowland Plans To Keep Lift Tickets At $20
The nonprofit says its focus remains on providing an affordable, community-oriented place where families can ski together and new skiers and snowboarders can learn without the cost associated with many larger mountains.
That shows up clearly in its 2026-27 pricing. Snowland’s current ticket information lists all-day lift tickets at $20 for guests 13 and older, while children 12 and younger ski free. Tickets are expected to become available around Dec. 1. Snowland plans to operate on select days throughout the winter, with lifts scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. when conditions allow. The mountain is about 7.8 miles up Fairview Canyon and roughly an hour from Provo.
For a ski area that spent more than four decades without regular public lift service, simply reopening last winter was a major accomplishment. Cheers to Snowland for keeping skiing affordable!
